U.S. patent number 7,908,078 [Application Number 11/250,125] was granted by the patent office on 2011-03-15 for perspective-view visual runway awareness and advisory display.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Honeywell International Inc.. Invention is credited to Gang He.
United States Patent |
7,908,078 |
He |
March 15, 2011 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Perspective-view visual runway awareness and advisory display
Abstract
A method of providing a visual runway awareness and advisor
display is provided. The method comprises obtaining current craft
position and trajectory, determing if a runway is being targeted,
and displaying runway alerts and guides on a graphical display with
the runway based on the runway being targeted, current craft
position and current craft trajectory.
Inventors: |
He; Gang (Morristown, NJ) |
Assignee: |
Honeywell International Inc.
(Morristown, NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
37949175 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/250,125 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20070088491 A1 |
Apr 19, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/120; 701/3;
340/972 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08G
5/025 (20130101); G08G 5/0021 (20130101); G01C
23/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
19/00 (20110101) |
Field of
Search: |
;701/3,120
;340/995.17 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Hellner; Mark
Assistant Examiner: Algahaim; Helal A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ingrassia Fisher & Lorenz,
P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of providing a visual runway awareness and advisory
display, the method comprising: obtaining current craft position
and trajectory; determining if a runway is being targeted; and
displaying runway alerts and guides on a graphical display with the
runway based on the runway being targeted, current craft position,
and current craft trajectory, wherein displaying runway alerts and
guides includes: fading in runway alerts and guides for a targeted
runway; displaying perspective runway distance remaining markers at
fixed display positions along the displayed runway; and displaying
perspective runway distance remaining markers at positions relative
to current craft position, wherein the display positions of the
distance remaining markers change according to movement of the
craft in order to maintain the positions relative to the current
craft position; wherein displaying runway guides and alerts further
includes outlining the targeted runway with an outline box; and
wherein outlining the targeted runway with an outline box includes
varying the border thickness of the outline box based on the
position of the craft in relation to the targeted runway.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining if a runway is being
targeted includes: detecting a flight path marker pointing at a
runway on a display for an extended period of time.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein fading in runway alerts and
guides includes: fading in runway identification numbers on a
surface of the targeted runway in a perspective conformal view
format.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying runway alerts and
guides includes highlighting runway guides for a targeted
runway.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein highlighting runway guides for a
targeted runway includes adjusting brightness levels of runway
guides based on the position and trajectory of the craft relative
to the targeted runway.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying runway guides includes
changing the color of guides gradually to indicate dangerous
conditions on a targeted runway.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein changing the color of guides to
indicate dangerous conditions includes at least one of: changing
the color of distance remaining markers to indicate insufficient
distance remains on a targeted runway; comparing the targeted
runway with a flight plan and, when the targeted runway is not in
the flight plan, changing at least one of: runway guides colors,
pavement colors, and surface textures; and determining if the
targeted runway has runway use clearance and, when the targeted
runway does not have runway use clearance, changing at least one
of: runway guides colors, pavement colors, and surface
textures.
8. A graphic display system, comprising: means for obtaining data,
wherein data includes airport data and craft position and
trajectory data; means for determining if a runway is being
targeted; and means for displaying runway guides and alerts based
on the data obtained and a runway being targeted, wherein
displaying means includes means for fading in runway alerts and
guides for a targeted runway; means for displaying perspective
runway distance remaining markers at fixed display positions along
the displayed runway; means for displaying perspective runway
distance remaining markers at positions relative to current craft
position, wherein the display positions of the distance remaining
markers change according to movement of the craft in order to
maintain the positions relative to the current craft position; and
wherein the displaying means further includes means for outlining
the targeted runway with an outline box; and wherein the outlining
means includes means for varying the border thickness of the
outline box based on the position of the craft in relation to the
targeted runway.
9. A method of providing a visual runway awareness and advisory
display, the method comprising: obtaining current craft position
and trajectory; determining if a runway is being targeted; and
displaying runway alerts and guides on a graphical display with the
runway based on the runway being targeted, current craft position,
and current craft trajectory, wherein displaying runway alerts and
guides includes: fading in runway alerts and guides for a targeted
runway; displaying perspective runway distance remaining markers at
fixed display positions along the displayed runway; and displaying
perspective runway distance remaining markers at positions relative
to current craft position, wherein the display positions of the
distance remaining markers change according to movement of the
craft in order to maintain the positions relative to the current
craft position; wherein displaying runway guides and alerts further
includes outlining the targeted runway with an outline box; and
wherein outlining the targeted runway with an outline box includes
at least one of: varying the border thickness of the outline box
based on the position of the craft in relation to the targeted
runway.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining if a runway is being
targeted includes: detecting a flight path marker pointing at a
runway on a display for an extended period of time.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein fading in runway alerts and
guides includes: fading in runway identification numbers on a
surface of the targeted runway in a perspective conformal view
format.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying runway alerts and
guides includes highlighting runway guides for a targeted
runway.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein highlighting runway guides for
a targeted runway includes adjusting brightness levels of runway
guides based on the position and trajectory of the craft relative
to the targeted runway.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying runway guides
includes changing the color of guides gradually to indicate
dangerous conditions on a targeted runway.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein changing the color of guides to
indicate dangerous conditions includes at least one of: changing
the color of distance remaining markers to indicate insufficient
distance remains on a targeted runway; comparing the targeted
runway with a flight plan and, when the targeted runway is not in
the flight plan, changing at least one of: runway guides colors,
pavement colors, and surface textures; and determining if the
targeted runway has runway use clearance and, when the targeted
runway does not have runway use clearance, changing at least one
of: runway guides colors, pavement colors, and surface textures.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to graphical display
systems and, in particular, to visual awareness and advisory
displays.
BACKGROUND
A runway intrusion is defined as "any occurrence at an airport
involving an aircraft, vehicle, person, or object on the ground
that creates a collision hazard or results in a loss of separation
with an aircraft taking off, intending to take off, landing, or
intending to land." FAA ORDER 7210.58. These occurrences can cause
serious harm, including death. Naturally, runway intrusions are a
major safety issue for aviation. As can be expected, these
intrusions are more likely to occur when flight crews are
unfamiliar with the airport environment. Due to this unfamiliarity,
flight crews may lose overall awareness of their current position
and cause a runway intrusion.
Ideally, all flight crews will be trained to be familiar with all
airports. However, considering the vast number of airports, this is
not a realistic solution. With the many changes in the airline
industry and flight routes, even highly experienced flight crews
can find themselves at an unfamiliar airport. Additionally, even if
the flight crew is familiar with a particular airport, they may
still lose overall awareness of their current position due to low
visibility conditions.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below
which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading
and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the
art for a graphical display system which will aid flight crews in
maintaining overall awareness of their current position at
unfamiliar airports and in low visibility conditions.
SUMMARY
Embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of providing
a graphical display system which will aid flight crews in
maintaining overall awareness of their current position at
unfamiliar airports and in low visibility conditions.
In one embodiment, a method of providing a visual runway awareness
and advisor display is provided. The method comprises obtaining
current craft position and trajectory, determing if a runway is
being targeted, and displaying runway alerts and guides on a
graphical display with the runway based on the runway being
targeted, current craft position and current craft trajectory.
In another embodiment, a graphical display system is provided. The
graphical display system comprises one or more sensors for
obtaining data, wherein the data obtained includes position and
trajectory data for a craft and airport data, and a display element
for displaying graphics and data. The graphical display system also
comprises at least one processor coupled to the one or more
sensors, wherein, based on data received from the one or more
sensors regarding craft position and trajectory relative to an
airport, the at least one processor determines if a runway is being
targeted and selects which runway guides and alerts to display
based on data obtained and runway selected. The at least one
processor also sends signals to the display element to display the
targeted runway with the selected runway guides and alerts.
In another embodiment, a computer readable medium having
computer-executable instructions for performing a method of
providing a visual runway awareness and advisory display is
provided. The method comprises receiving craft position and
trajectory data, receiving runway status data, and determing when a
runway is being targeted. The method also comprises selecting
runway guides and alerts to display with a targeted runway based on
runway status of the targeted runway, craft position, and craft
trajectory. The method also comprises displaying runway guides and
alerts on a graphical display with the targeted runway.
In yet another embodiment, a graphical display system is provided.
The graphical display system comprises means for obtaining data,
wherein data includes airport data, and craft position and
trajectory data. The graphical display system also comprises means
for determining if a runway is being targeted, and means for
displaying runway guides and alerts based on the data obtained and
a runway being targeted.
DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a method for providing a visual
runway awareness and advisory display according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a graphical display system according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific illustrative embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and
electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention. Furthermore, it will be understood by one of
skill in the art that although the specific embodiments illustrated
below are directed at aircraft for purposes of explanation, the
method and apparatus may be used in various embodiments employing
various types of crafts, such as space shuttles, helicopters, and
unmanned air vehicles (UAV), etc. Moreover, embodiments of the
present invention are suitable for use on CRT, LCD, plasma displays
or any other existing or later developed display technology.
It should also be understood that the exemplary method illustrated
may include additional or fewer steps or may be performed in the
context of a larger processing scheme. Furthermore, the method
presented in the drawing figures and specification are not to be
construed as limiting the order in which the individual steps may
be performed. Instructions for carrying out the various methods,
process tasks, calculations, control functions, and the generation
of display signals and other data used in the operation of the
display system are implemented in software programs, firmware or
computer readable instructions. These instructions are typically
stored on any appropriate medium used for storage of computer
readable instructions such as floppy disks, conventional hard
disks, CD-ROM, flash memory ROM, nonvolatile ROM, RAM, and other
like medium. The following detailed description is, therefore, not
to be taken in a limiting sense.
Embodiments of the present invention not only enable flight crews
to maintain overall awareness during low visibility conditions but
also enable flight crews who are unfamiliar with an airport to
maintain overall awareness of their current position. Embodiments
of the present invention accomplish this through an intuitive and
easy to understand visual display. For example, embodiments of the
present invention facilitate identifying targeted runways on final
approach and visually indicate if a targeted runway is in a flight
plan and if the craft has clearance to use a targeted runway.
Additionally, embodiments of the present invention inform flight
crews of runway distance remaining and display guides and warnings
to aid flight crews in maintaining overall position awareness.
Guides and warnings are gradually faded into a display to reduce
distraction to the flight crews. Hence, flight crews will better be
able to avoid dangerous runway intrusions while taxiing, landing,
and taking off through embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a method for providing a visual
runway awareness and advisory display according to one embodiment
of the present invention. At 102, the current position of a craft
is obtained. Various means are used to obtain current craft
position. In some embodiments, global positioning satellite (GPS)
receivers are used. In other embodiments, VHF omnidirectional range
(VOR) signals are used. In other embodiments, other means known to
one of skill in the art are used to obtain current craft position.
At 104, airport data is obtained. Airport data includes data
regarding the position, size, and location of runways at an
airport. Airport data is retrieved from a database of airports
based on the craft's current position obtained at 102. In some
embodiments, an airport database is located on-board the craft. In
other embodiments, an airport database is located in a remote site,
such as a control tower, and data is transmitted to the craft via
telecommunication technology known to one of skill in the art.
Airport databases are described in more detail below with regards
to FIG. 2.
At 106, the current position and trajectory of the craft are
obtained. Trajectory includes data regarding the craft's heading,
track and intended flight path according to a flight plan. At 108,
a conformal perspective-view of the airport and runways is
graphically generated and displayed on a display based on the
airport data from an airport database and the current position and
trajectory of the craft. In some embodiments, the graphically
generated conformal view contains actual photographs. In other
embodiments, the graphically generated view is comprised only of
computer rendered images. In some embodiments, the conformal
perspective-view of the airport and runways is integrated into a
primary flight display (PFD).
At 110, it is determined if the craft is targeting a runway.
Targeting a runway includes, but is not limited to, approaching a
runway for the purpose of landing, approaching a runway for the
purpose of taking off, and approaching a runway while taxiing on
the ground. In some embodiments it is determined that a craft is
targeting a runway when flight path markers are pointing at a
runway for an extended period of time. Flight path markers are
shown and described in more detail in regards to FIG. 3 below. In
other embodiments, it is determined that a craft is targeting a
runway when a flight plan indicates a particular runway is to be
used. In yet other embodiments, it is determined that a craft is
targeting a runway when the trajectory of the craft is pointing
toward the runway and the craft is in close proximity to the
runway. In still other embodiments, it is determined that a craft
is targeting a runway when the craft's trajectory is substantially
aligned with the runway bearing and the craft is in close proximity
to the runway.
If a craft is not targeting a runway, the process returns to 106
where updated position and trajectory data is obtained. If a craft
is targeting a runway, appropriate runway guides and alerts are
displayed at 112. Runway guides include, but are not limited to,
touch down point markers, threshold markers, distance remaining
markers, and runway identifiers. Touch down point markers and
threshold markers are shown and described in more detail in regards
to FIG. 4 below. Runway alerts are visual messages indicating
position of the craft relative to a targeted runway and runway
status warnings. Runway status warnings are visual messages
including, but not limited to, active status warnings of a targeted
runway, and insufficient distance remaining on a targeted
runway.
Runway guides and alerts to be displayed are selected based on the
position and trajectory of the craft in relation to a runway and
the status of the runway. In some embodiments, runway guides change
colors and are accompanied by runway status warning messages when
necessary to warn flight crews of potential dangerous conditions.
In some embodiments, when the aircraft is approaching from the air
and taking off from a selected runway, a distance remaining marker
is shown to indicate the available runway length ahead. In some
such embodiments, the distance remaining marker is shown on both
sides of the runway. In some embodiments, the distance remaining
markers are displayed in a perspective visual format which flight
crews a sense of motion and velocity, as well as informs a flight
crew of the distance remaining. If insufficient distance remains on
the runway, the distance remaining marker changes color in some
embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, runway status
warnings fade onto the display to warn flight crews that
insufficient distance remains on the runway.
Additionally, in some embodiments, when an aircraft nears or
crosses a runway, runway identifiers are displayed indicating the
runway identification number of both the runway being crossed and
the runway on which the aircraft is traveling, if any. In some such
embodiments, runway identifiers are displayed on the runway as if
painted on the pavement of the runway. In other such embodiments,
runway identifiers are displayed near the runway. In some
embodiments, such as when an aircraft is targeting a runway on
final approach, runway identifiers with just runway identification
numbers are displayed on the runway in a conformal perspective-view
format. In some such embodiments, the runway identifiers are not
displayed on the runway until the aircraft reaches a threshold
point. In one embodiment, the threshold point is a set altitude. In
another embodiment the threshold is a set distance from the
runway.
In some embodiments, a runway identifier is only displayed for a
targeted runway. In other embodiments, runway identifiers are
displayed on all visible runways as if painted on the pavement when
a craft is in close proximity to an airport. In some embodiments,
runway identifiers include both runway identification numbers and
positional information indicating that the craft is approaching,
on, or departing a targeted runway. In some embodiments, runway
identifiers are displayed at a visible position on the display near
flight symbology. In some such embodiments, the position of the
runway identifiers is changed to reduce distraction to a flight
crew based on preferences of the flight crew. In other embodiments,
a runway identifier with just a runway identification number is
displayed on a runway, as if painted on the pavement, in a
conformal perspective view. In some embodiments, a runway
identifier transitions gradually from a visible position near
flight symbology to a position displayed on the runway in a
conformal perspective view. This transition occurs as a craft
becomes sufficiently close to the runway. The transition rate is
determined by the craft's rate of descent, in some embodiments. In
other embodiments, the transition rate is based on the craft's
speed and distance from the targeted runway.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the targeted runway is
highlighted. Highlighting includes outlining the runway with a
colored box in some embodiments. In other embodiments, highlighting
includes changing the color of the runway pavement. In one
embodiment the highlighting color under normal circumstances is
cyan. In other embodiments, other colors are used. In some
embodiments, the border of the outline box changes thickness based
on the distance of a craft from the runway. As the craft is further
from the runway, the border is thicker. As the craft nears the
runway, the border becomes thinner until the thickness matches the
thickness of the runway border. In other embodiments, the display
size and shape of the outline box varies based on the position of
the craft in relation to the targeted runway, and based on the
surrounding terrain displayed on the graphical display. In some
embodiments, the outline box traces the terrain profile surrounding
the runway. Additionally, in some embodiments, the brightness of
the outline border varies depending on the position of the craft
relative to the targeted runway. As the craft nears the runway, the
brightness decreases. Similarly, in some embodiments, the
brightness of runway pavement and runway guides, such as threshold
markers and touch down point markers, varies depending on the
position of the craft relative to the targeted runway. In some such
embodiments, the brightness of different runway guides and the
runway pavement color vary independently of each other. In some
embodiments, the rate of change, or transition, of the brightness
is based on a rate of change in altitude of the craft relative to
the targeted runway. In other embodiments, the transition rate is
based on a set time period. In yet other embodiments, the
transition is based on the speed of the craft and the distance from
the craft to the targeted runway.
In some embodiments, if it is determined that the runway status of
the targeted runway is active, the color of runway guides changes
color to warn the flight crew. In some embodiments, the warning
color is yellow. In other embodiments, other warning colors are
used. An active runway status indicates that something is already
on or using the runway (i.e. there is activity on the runway). This
includes, but is not limited to, another craft targeting the runway
for take off or landing, another craft taxiing on the targeted
runway, and ground crews and equipment located on the targeted
runway. Active status of the runway is determined in some
embodiments from data received from a control tower through
wireless telecommunication techniques known to one of skill in the
art. In other embodiments, active status is determined from sensor
data received from sensors on-board the craft. In other
embodiments, active status is determined from visual observation of
the flight crew. Additionally, in some embodiments, alerts fade
onto the display to warn flight crews that the targeted runway
status is active. In some embodiments, a targeted runway is
compared with a flight plan. At least one of runway guide colors,
pavement colors, and surface textures change if the runway is not
in the flight plan. Additionally, in other embodiments, it is
determined if the craft has runway use clearance. If the craft does
not have clearance to use the runway, at least one of runway guide
colors, pavement colors, and surface textures change.
As described above, embodiments of the present invention identify
runways; warn flight crews of dangers, such as an active runway
status; and improve the visibility of selected runways through
highlighting and brightness changes. Hence, embodiments of the
present invention enable flight crews to navigate in low visibility
conditions and maintain overall awareness when at an unfamiliar
airport due to the runway alerts and guides. Additionally, the
fading in and out of alerts and guides occurs gradually. In some
embodiments, the transition is based on a set time period. In other
embodiments, the transition is based on a rate of altitude change.
In other embodiments, the transition rate is based on the speed of
the craft and the distance to a targeted runway. This gradual
transition reduces distraction to flight crews caused by sudden
changes in a flight display. Additionally, the position of the
alerts and guides is capable of being adjusted to preferences of a
flight crew to further reduce distraction to a flight crew.
Exemplary embodiments of runway alerts and guides, as described
above, are shown and explained in more detail with regards to FIGS.
3-6.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a graphical display system according
to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, an exemplary
graphical display system 200 includes processor 206 configured to
provide data to display element 210 for display. One or more data
sources are coupled to processor 206 via bus 214. These data
sources include, but are not limited to, sensors 202, user input
element 212, database 204, and program memory 208. In some
embodiments, one or more of these data sources are omitted. In some
embodiments, processor 206 uses data obtained from sensors 202 in
determining current aircraft position. In other embodiments, data
from sensors 202 is used for display on display element 210 such as
altitude, attitude, speed, etc. Sensors 202 include, but are not
limited to, gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, global
positioning system (GPS) receivers, infrared cameras, laser
imagers, radars, etc.
User input element 212 includes, but is not limited to, keyboards,
touch screens, microphones, etc. In some embodiments, user input
element 212 comprises more than one type of input element. In other
embodiments, display system 200 does not include user input element
212. User input element 212 is used, in some embodiments, to enable
flight crews to select and obtain information regarding runways at
an airport. In addition, user input element 212 is used, in some
embodiments, to select the airport runway to be targeted.
Program memory 208 includes any type of suitable medium such as
floppy disks, conventional hard disks, CD-ROM, flash memory ROM,
nonvolatile ROM, RAM, or other suitable medium. Processor 206 and
program memory 208 are coupled together allowing processor 206 to
write to and store data in program memory 208 as well as retrieve
stored data from program memory 208. In one embodiment, program
memory 208 stores data from sensors 202 and user input element 212.
In other embodiments, program memory 208 stores data to be
transmitted from processor 206 to display element 210.
Database 204 is used to store a database of graphics for retrieval
by processor 206 and display on display element 210. Database 204
includes, but is not limited to, a navigation database, terrain
database, and airport database. In addition to graphics, database
204 is used to store other data regarding terrain, airports, and
navigational aids used for display on display element 210. For
example, airport databases include data regarding runway sizes,
identification numbers, and positions. In some embodiments,
database 204 is stored locally on-board the aircraft. In other
embodiments, database 204 is stored remotely and transmits data to
graphical display system 200 via wireless telecommunications
technology known to one of skill in the art. Database 204 includes
any type of suitable medium such as floppy disks, conventional hard
disks, CD-ROM, flash memory ROM, nonvolatile ROM, RAM, or other
suitable medium.
Processor 206 includes or interfaces with hardware components that
support the graphics display system. By way of example and not by
way of limitation, these hardware components include one or more
microprocessors, graphics processors, memories, storage devices,
interface cards, and other standard components known in the art.
Additionally, processor 206 includes or functions with software
programs, firmware or computer readable instructions for carrying
out various methods, process tasks, calculations, control
functions, and the generation of display signals and other data
used in the operation of the display system. These instructions
include methods for determining if a runway is to be targeted and
for selecting alerts and guides based on a runway being targeted,
and on craft position and trajectory relative to the targeted
runway. These instructions are typically stored on any appropriate
medium used for storage of computer readable instructions such as
floppy disks, conventional hard disks, CD-ROM, flash ROM,
nonvolatile ROM, RAM, and other like medium. In some embodiments,
these instructions are stored on memory 208.
Processor 206 analyzes data received from sensors 202, user input
element 212 and database 204. Based on this analysis, processor 206
sends signals to display element 210 instructing display element
210 to display airport runways, runway guides, and runway alerts,
such as alerts indicating insufficient length of runway remaining.
Display element 210 includes any display element suitable for
displaying the various symbols and information for the operation of
embodiments of the present invention. There are many known display
elements that are suitable for this task, such as various CRT,
active and passive matrix LCD, and plasma display systems.
Processor 206 interfaces with and sends signals to display element
210 instructing display element 210 which graphics and data to
display.
FIG. 3 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, an aircraft is
targeting runway 304 by pointing flight path marker 302 at runway
304 for an extended period of time. Runway identifier 306 provides
visual confirmation that the aircraft is targeting runway 304 and
identifies the runway by its runway identification number, 25L.
Runway identifier 306 is also displayed with positional information
indicating the aircraft is approaching runway 304. Additionally, in
some embodiments, runway 304 is outlined with a box providing
visual confirmation of the runway being targeted. In some such
embodiments, the border thickness of the outline box gradually
decreases as the aircraft comes closer to the targeted runway and
increases as the aircraft moves away from the targeted runway. In
some embodiments, the rate of transition is based on the rate of
altitude change of the aircraft relative to the targeted runway. In
other embodiments, the rate of transition is based on the speed of
the aircraft and the distance of the aircraft from the targeted
runway. Additionally, in some embodiments the pavement color of
runway 304 changes providing visual confirmation that the runway is
being targeted. In some embodiments, the color of the outline and
pavement changes color when the status of the targeted runway 304
is active as described above with regards to FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, an aircraft is
approaching runway 402 for landing. As shown, runway 402 is
outlined by outline box 408. Additionally, a touch down point is
indicated by touch down point markers 406. In some embodiments, the
pavement color of runway 402 is also changed to indicate the runway
being targeted. Also shown in FIG. 4 are runway identifier 404 and
threshold marker 410. Touch down point markers 406 and threshold
marker 410 help guide a flight crew to the correct point on runway
402 where an aircraft should land (i.e. touch down). In FIG. 4,
runway identifier 404 is displayed on runway 402 as if painted onto
the pavement of runway 402 in a conformal perspective view. In some
embodiments, the brightness level of outline box 408, threshold
marker 410, and touch down point markers 406 varies based on the
position of the aircraft relative to runway 402. In some such
embodiments, the brightness level decreases as the aircraft
altitude decreases relative to runway 402. In other embodiments,
the brightness level decreases as the distance between the aircraft
and runway 402 decreases. Additionally, in some embodiments the
thickness of outline box 408 varies based on the position of the
aircraft relative to runway 402 as described above with regards to
FIGS. 1 and 3.
FIG. 5 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, an aircraft is
taxiing or on the ground. The aircraft is targeting runway 502, in
FIG. 5. It is determined that an aircraft is targeting runway 502,
in FIG. 5, due to the close proximity of the aircraft to runway 502
and the trajectory of the aircraft crosses runway 502. Runway
identifier 504 gradually fades in to identify runway 502 by its
runway identification number, 25L, and is displayed with positional
information to indicate that the aircraft is approaching runway
502. As the aircraft crosses over runway 502, positional
information displayed with runway identifier 504 changes gradually
to indicate that the aircraft is on runway 502. For example, in one
embodiment, runway identifier 540 displays `on rwy 25L` in FIG. 5
to indicate when the aircraft is on runway 502. As the aircraft
exits runway 502, runway identifier 504 changes to indicate that
the aircraft is departing runway 502. In some embodiments, runway
identifier 504 changes once the aircraft has completely exited
runway 502. In other embodiments, runway identifier 504 changes
once the aircraft has partially exited runway 502.
FIG. 6 is an image of a graphical display system according to one
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, an aircraft is
targeting runway 602 because the aircraft is in close proximity to
runway 602 and the trajectory of the aircraft is substantially
aligned with the bearing of runway 602. Runway identifier 604
indicates that the aircraft is on runway 602 and indicates the
runway identification number of runway 602. In some embodiments,
runway identifier with just the runway identification number of
runway 602 is painted onto runway 602 in a perspective conformal
view.
Distance remaining markers 606 indicate the distance remaining on
runway 602 measured from a far end of runway 602 in front of the
aircraft. As shown, in some embodiments, distance remaining markers
606 are displayed in a perspective conformal view. In a perspective
conformal view, distance remaining markers 606 help give a flight
crew a sense of motion and speed. In some embodiments, distance
remaining markers 606 are displayed in a perspective view at fixed
positions along runway 602. In such embodiments, distance remaining
markers 606 will grow larger or smaller as the craft draws closer
or further away from the fixed position along runway 602. In other
embodiments, distance remaining markers 606 are displayed in a
perspective view at positions relative to the current craft
position. In such embodiments, the display positions of distance
remaining markers 606 change according to movement of the craft in
order to maintain the positions relative to the current craft
position rather than relative to a fixed position along runway 602.
In yet other embodiments, the distance remaining on a runway is
displayed in a numerical readout. In some embodiments, such as
during landing or take off, the color of distance remaining markers
606 changes or flashes to warn a flight crew if insufficient
distance remains for the aircraft to safely complete its task.
Additionally, in some embodiments, alerts fade into the display in
FIG. 6 to indicate insufficient distance remaining.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described
herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same
purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. For
example, although the specific embodiments illustrated are directed
at aircraft, the method and apparatus may be used in various
embodiments employing various types of crafts, such as space craft,
helicopters, and UAVs, etc. This application is intended to cover
any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore,
it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by
the claims and the equivalents thereof.
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